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Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Can't make it to France this week? Relax. Grab a glass of your favorite French wine, or a cuppa tea. This page turner will take you away. This book, A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhousewas a Christmas gift from last year, and I have been turning the pages ever since - and over again. With every page, I find something I hadn't noticed before, whether it is in the photos or the text. Mimi Thorisson, the author of the popular blog, The Manger is the creator of this beautiful book. She spent her childhood holidays in Paris, and the south of France.

In this current book by Mimi, she chronicles the family's meals and life in her old farmhouse that was formerly an old abandoned chateau. A few years ago Mimi and her husband, photographer Oddur Thorisson moved their large family of six children and several dogs, and moved from their Paris apartment to this historic farmhouse which is located in the French countryside of Médoc.

This book is more than recipes. The Thorisson's have shared their experiences in blending city and country cuisine with visits to the market, along with Oddur's beautiful photographs of the farmhouse, and most of all, Mimi's succulent dishes. I know deep in my heart before I even read the complete recipes, they are all filled with glorious butter - - from her roast chicken to her apple tart, yet still using fresh ingredients.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

This is one of those recipes I refer to as a "springboard" recipe. Make the basic recipe, and later make it your own using some of your favorite touches. This is a basic recipe as seen in Paula Deen, Pioneer Woman, and Southern Home. In fact, my sister reminded me the other day that I have been making this recipe now for at least eight years - - whenever tomatoes are abundant. And no - - don't be sending me comments that this is not a traditional Italian "tomato pie," as in pizza. You are right. It is not a pizza. And no - - don't be sending me comments about mayonnaise as the ingredient. And no - - you cannot use Miracle Whip™ Salad Dressing. Big difference between mayonnaise and salad dressing. And no - - do not use diet, lite, or cheap mayonnaise. If you use a vegan mayo, don't come to me complaining if it comes out all watery. Use the BEST commercial real egg mayonnaise available to you. So you may be asking, "Catie, why are you being so belligerent?" Seriously? Have you ever read the comments on recipe web pages? I am reminded of this article, "The Stupid Sh#@t People Say in the Comment Sections." We have all read those comments under recipes regarding complaints because the recipe did not work out, because they exchanged an important ingredient for something else (e.g. used almond milk instead of buttermilk), or under a recipe for chicken, a reader has aggressively just typed in, "I hate chicken." Even I have suffered through some rude comments on this blog regarding a popular pot roast recipe. Basically, if you don't like mayonnaise or have a "mayonnaise allergy," then you probably won't like this recipe. However, the topping is rather cheesy and once served many will not know that mayonnaise binds the cheesy topping all together. If you have enjoyed baked cheesy dips such as artichoke, the recipe for the cheesy-topping isn't much different. Don't give me a bad time about my photos, either. I am not a photographer, and realized for photo-sake, I could have layered in more tomatoes. Yes - I know, I could have done a better job of centering, but it looked good to me from the eye of the camera. The production of this recipe goes really fast, once you get past the part of "peeling the tomatoes." Easy to do. Shock them! Boil water in a pan, just enough water to cover a couple of tomatoes. Fill a bowl of ice and water and have it standing by. Since you are using 4 - 5 tomatoes in this recipe, work in batches of two. Drop a couple of the whole tomatoes in the boiling water and leave for 45 seconds to a minute. Pull the tomatoes out of hot water and plunge immediately in the ice water to cool. If done right, the skin should just peel off using your fingers. Now, you don't have to peel the tomatoes but I think the pie looks nicer without all of the cooked slimy loose skin.

Directions for the basic fresh tomato pie:4-5 medium sized tomatoes, peeled and sliced. 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp or more of dried basil will also work. crumble it finely in your hand to loosen up the fragrance)1/4 tsp dried Mexican oregano (optional)1/2 cup of chopped green onion1 single 8-9" pie crust. Use your favorite pastry pie crust recipe or store bought crust is fine (no, you cannot use graham cracker crust). 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese1 cup grated cheddar cheese1 cup mayonnaise - use the good stuff - - the BEST! Salt and fresh ground pepper to tastePreheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly pre-bake pie crust. Let cool. Place the tomato slices in one-layer in a colander, lightly sprinkle with salt, and let the tomatoes drain in the sink or bowl. At least for 20 - 30 minutes - - or even longer if you have the time. This is an important step as not to have a watery pie, and soggy crust. If you wish, save the tomato water for later to use over a tossed green salad as part of your vinaigrette or pour it in your Bloody Mary. Out of the last four tomatoes I drained, I pulled off close to a half-cup of juice.Layer the tomato slices into two to three layers and with each layer add a sprinkling of the onions, herbs, and a grind of black pepper. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise and the grated cheeses. Spread mayonnaise/cheese topping over the layered tomatoes. Spread the topping to the crust to seal the layers of tomatoes. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until top and crust is lightly brown. Serve into slices while warm.

Yes, I really do spend the time on my crust edges.
They are not manufactured. I am OCD that way

----- Once you have followed the original recipe, now is the time to "springboard" and make it your own. This recipe is so versatile, you can make it, not only in a round pie, but a rectangle and cut it into squares like lasagna, or even make mini-tarts for finger food. Serve it hot or cold. Perfect for a picnic. Instead of green onions, saute up some sliced sweet onions or shallots instead. Maybe use some chopped chives. You could also sprinkle some black or green sliced olives on top of the tomatoes for more of a Mediterranean flavor. Asparagus season? Lightly pre-cook asparagus, chop into bite size pieces and add on top of the tomatoes. For a little more southwestern feel, definitely layer some roasted green chilies (seeded) on top of the tomatoes. Want to add some meat to it? Add some crumbled already-cooked Italian sausage (drained well), or already-fried chopped bacon, or even flaked crab meat on top of the layered tomatoes before you add the cheesy-topping. Spice up the cheesy-topping with some chili powder, or more Italian herbs, or even Old Bay Seasoning™ if you are using crab meat. Add at least two cups of whatever semi-hard cheese you have around like gouda or Swiss if you don't have mozzarella or cheddar around - even sprinkle in some grated Parmesean, if you have it. If going for more of a southwestern feel, add some pepper jack cheese. If you use the basic ingredients and quantities, I think this recipe is endless. It is also very rich, so a nice fresh side salad of greens with a light lemon or vinaigrette dressing assists in cutting the richness. Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

There are cabinets and drawers in my home filled with pretty things - from candlestick holders to crystal wine glasses with fine China, Depression glass, and linens in-between. Do I use them when company comes? Of course. Do they sit and gather dust the rest of the time? I try not to allow it. No matter if it's just the four-legged girls, a teddy bear, and myself - - we bring out the good china, the good crystal wine glasses, a few pieces of silver, and the pretty tea cups and saucers. Even my four-legged companions sip their water out of a rather large antique crystal bowl. If you aren't using your pretties almost daily, then who are you saving these treasures for? Are you saving these pretties for your estate sale so some stranger can enjoy these things, and they can occasionally and accidentally break them? So your children will be able to enjoy these things instead of you? Or perhaps your family members will toss the item in one of those cabinets above the refrigerator that no one bothers to get to? So you may break a few special pieces, but sometimes with a little luck a piece can be replaced, and if not - - you will still have the memory, but most important the day, the experience, and those who you spent the occasion with or just the time alone experiencing a special moment - even if it is outside by yourself in your rose garden. Consider this suggestion as an affordable yet "simple trimming for an elegant life™... "

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Yesterday, August 15th would have been Julia Child's 104th birthday. Last year I wrote blog, Bon Appetit with Love about "cooking with Julia," so to speak. As I pointed out, you don't have to be a master chef like Julia, but do try and tackle at least a couple of her recipes. Julia's recipes are basic good ol' home cooking using fresh ingredients and basic cooking skills that we have steered away from due to the convenience of processed foods. Might I recommend that you invest in one or two of her cookbooks? Yes, they are still in print, and better yet hunt down some of her used cookbooks. People will think you have had those well-loved books for years, and you know your way around the kitchen.

Let me also recommend to you to read her book, My Life in France. This is an autobiography by Julia focusing on of the things she loved: her husband Paul, France, and the pleasures of cooking and eating. It mostly takes place during the years between 1948 to 1954 bringing to the pages great detail of her life with Paul in Paris, Marseille, and Provence. This book is one of those "simple trimmings" for an elegant life" that is my motto for this blog. If you cannot make it to France today, this week, this month, or even this year; pour yourself a cup of tea or a glass of wine and live vicariously through the eyes of the lovely and whimsical Julia. She certainly knew how to live. Happy Birthday Julia.

Monday, August 15, 2016

People that really know me, know that I enjoy a glass of wine once in awhile. Some may even tell you I have my moments of a little wine knowledge... Lately my favorite go-to wine has been those wonderful cool, crisp, and oh-so very pretty pink rosés; especially those from the Provence region in France. Provence in on my bucket list of places I want to visit. In Provence there are shutters painted blue - and yet it is a blue unlike any traditional blue. Perhaps it is the southern sun that brings out the faded and weathered shades of periwinkle blue or the soft purplish blue reminiscent of the neighboring fields of lavender. In fact, I noticed on some of the clear curvy pretty bottles of French rosés seem to express the color notes of Provence with the periwinkle blue-colored foil and label suggestive of the area's shutters so striking against the yellow-ochre colored buildings.

So pretty, and the wine was delicious, too.

My thoughts to world peace and harmony?

We need more of the rich, yet patinated shades of blue and lavender from Provence on our houses and in our rooms. Oh, and more flower gardens, too. In fact, boxes of flower gardens, and old and unusual containers of flowers. Oh, and pretty pink drinks are always good... More French chocolate and pastries? How can it hurt?

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The heart of my blog is lending affordable ideas with small stay-at-home journeys that can enhance your life - or what I like to refer to as, "trimmings." Whether you are alone or with friends and family, one of the most wonderful small "stay-at-home" journeys is watching the sky - - from the sunrise to the sunset - - and all the moons and stars in-between.

This week, starting this evening, grab a comfy lawn chair or a blanket, a glass or mug of your favorite nightcap, and even some snacks, and sit outside and enjoy the show. If you live where there are many city lights, find a park or country area where there are no lights (but bring a flashlight to find your way). We use to drive our pickup to the foothills and have a late night picnic in the truck bed. You will discover the list of stars and planets performing are many, and you will be guaranteed to have a show out of this world! For 2016, astronomers predicted an outburst of Perseid meteors aka falling/shooting stars - on the average of 200 stars an hour. The peak night is this Thursday and Friday, August 11 - 12, but do watch on the evenings leading up to the peak, and certainly after on the 13th. Don't forget to keep an eye on the west and you'll also see Jupiter do it's "fire" show. I noticed this summer he has certainly been shining very bright. If you can manage to stay up late, you will be rewarded with this wonderful and one of a kind cosmic performance.

Monday, August 8, 2016

It feels good for me to be back at antiquing. I come from a long line of antique dealers. One of my maternal aunts owned an antique store for over thirty-years, while another maternal aunt kept a booth in a bustling antique mall located in a large city. I started the habit as a young bride in the late 1970's, and would later find mutual friends who also shared the same love of "junquing." Saturday mornings were made for grabbing a cup of coffee, and heading out to find treasures. We would stay local or take a day trip out of town, and even a long weekend in the spring checking out one of the largest antique shows in America on the west coast.Then divorce happens and who has time to go junquing when when you need to slip into the single survival mode with two jobs and college classes? When a close friend said to me, "I miss the person that I first met. When we met you were into antiquing and collecting, and then you stopped." I had to think about this for awhile. I missed "me," too. I did miss the art of the "hunt." The buried treasure. Something "new" (but old) and pretty on my shelves. However, I didn't want anything else in my house to dust. What to do - - what to do? Finally, it dawned on me - - buy stuff to sell. Buy what I like and would enjoy having in my home, but buy with the intent to sell - - and that is what I am doing.

Love of Junk*

Pop-up flea markets have become the newest thing. Actually, they have always been around, but more people are paying attention to them. We are now into collecting things that never went out of style: country primitives, art deco, retro, shabby chic, and now we are "upcycling." Upcycling is making use of the former rusty, the broken and bent, and the homely; then giving it some love with a fresh new purpose or design. Television shows like Chip and Joanna Gaines' Fixer Upper leaves us wanting for more. The only thing that I see different now is the behavior of the buyers. A little flea market etiquette can go a long way, and sometimes can even help you score the deal. Here are some handy tips, or more like some tough love:1.) First and foremost, have fun. Remember, this is fun! There is no time for being rude to vendors and other customers. If you don't like crowds then find a time to visit when you think it will be quieter or just stay home. There is nothing at a flea market that you really "need." Just remember the basic differences between "need" and "want." Just slow down, relax, and enjoy. What was purchased before you got there, you will never know about it. Or as we use to say, "It wasn't meant to be mine."

Love of Junk*

2.) Plan ahead. Wear comfy clothes and shoes and dress accordingly to the weather. If it is a bit cloudy, pack some light rain gear. Pack a measuring tape, a pen and paper (small notebooks are great), shopping bags, hand wipes, drinking water, and even picnic or snack food, unless you know there will be food trucks or booths available. Don't act all shocked if you cannot find a booth that is vegan-gluten-free-kosher and produced only by Franciscan nuns. Pack your own. If all the food that the vendors are serving is fried, give yourself a break and enjoy. Just tell yourself you will work it off with the laps you will take around the venue. 3.) Dress for Success. Along with comfy wear, do don yourself in something distinctive so you don't blend in with the crowd. Why? Just in case your children or friends need to find you. We all have a way of separating off from our tribe. Maybe a vendor remembered you liked something or you inquired about something. A hat or bright top or even just basic white, you will want to be seen. Or even push or pull a colorful wagon for your treasures.

Love of Junk*

4.) Plan your bank. If possible bring cash and make it lots of small bills. Small bills will also give you a better edge when haggling. A wise old antique vendor once told me that when haggling, haggle according to the change in your pocket and don't expect change back. Confused? If you found a $20 item but want to haggle it down to $15. Then you better have the correct change of $15 in your pockets, and not give the vendor a $20. You just asked the vendor to come down in price from his original $20 tag, and you want him to make change, too? "Back in the day," when I was attending lots of fleas, debit/credit cards were not used. It was all cash only. Remember, if you use your cards, the vendor will lose some money on the bank transaction, so be mindful if you want to haggle, but the vendor may give you the price you want, but with an added $1.00 for the bank fee. 5.) Make it a family day or spend it with special shopping friends? The answer is yes. Flea markets are a great way to spend a day with the family. What a better way to get kids enthused about their own personal collections, to be outdoors and active, as well as maybe learn a little history, too. However, please be mindful of the little one's attention span, and when they become tired, please listen to them. It's time for a change of scenery with a cool drink and a little rest before the next go-around of visiting vendors. Believe that vendors and other customers do not want to hear crying and temper tantrums, not only from the child but especially a meltdown from the parent. Chances are other customers left their own kids home for some "Adult RnR," so why do they want to listen to someone else's kids?

Love of Junk*

6.) Just say no to bow wow. Leave them at home, and especially leave the four-legged fur babies home if the flea market lists, "No dogs allowed." Yeah, we get it. Your dogs are special. Your pooches are the exception. So are my two little girl-woofers. They are very special, but they will be happier at home. Hey, we are on a mission here and we don't need to be hindered with stopping to give them treats, water, pick up poopy-pile-ups, and their leashes won't get tangled around a stack of glassware perched in stacks of precarious apple boxes or other customers won't be tripping over their leashes. And no matter what, do not leave the Woofer in the car during a warm day. You may come back to a broken car window - and yes, it is becoming legal in many states. 7.) Get the lay of the land. In other words, read where you are going, who are the vendors, and know the days and time. Once you arrive, you will feel compelled to run through like a crazy person and buy and buy every little rusty and quaint thing you can find - - but don't - - if you can help it. View from afar. Take a quick jaunt around the venue. Grab a vendor map, if one is available, and stand back and soak it all in. Make notes, compare prices, and then go back around and this time with purpose and buy. You will be sure to be in a better position to find your best prices and bargains.

Love of Junk*

8.) The art of haggling. Just be nice about it. As a vendor, I had a couple of recent incidents that surprised me, but then again nothing should surprise me anymore. Picture this: it was the first day of a show, the show started at 9:00 am. The time was 9:15 am and a woman was interested in a new item I just put out for the show. First of all she was way over dressed for a flea and looked like she came out of the dressing room of the original Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. The item she wanted was marked $25 and she wanted to haggle me down under $20. When I told her it was the first time the item had been at a show, we were just into our first morning of a two day show, therefore I wasn't quite ready to haggle on it. However, I did tell her if she wanted to come back the next day around noon and if I still had the item I would be happy to sell it to her for $20. Well, long story short, she became indignant, and marched away griping to her friend outside of our tent that I wouldn't come down on the item. How dare me! Others could hear her gripe. Later, within a half-hour another woman wanted to haggle on another $25 item. Again, I told her we were just half-hour into the show, it was a new item for the show, and I wasn't quite ready to haggle, which came about more indignity. The truth of the matter if both women would have purchased several items I would have haggled with them on one or all items that I had from previous shows. Long story short, before noon I sold both of the items for full price - - which I knew I would, as they were great and very popular items. Again. Be nice. It was later pointed out to me by another vendor, there is nothing wrong with finding a good deal. We all love a good deal, and as she pointed out, we also have to remember that the vendor is not in the business to lose money. We may have a lot of second-hand "junque" but it is our junque. We have made an investment in it. We have sought it out, we purchased it, carted it to either our home or to our shop (sometimes both), and often cleaned it up, and did some research on the pricing. The mark-ups are often not huge. We pay a flea market vendor fee, and then we pack it up and cart it to a flea market with hopes someone will not only buy it for our original asking price, but give us some appreciation for our good eye. The best deals are to be made towards the end of the show, or in multiples. And again, a friendly reminder that if you are going to haggle, don't talk the vendor down from $40 to $10 and give them a $50 dollar bill and have them make change. Give them a $10 bill. Same thing goes if you exhausted the dealer down to a bottom price of $10, and then give them a credit/debit card and make them work for that $10 on the merchant program. Give them a $10 bill - cash. Be prepared.

Love of Junk*

9.) Did I mention to eat and hydrate? Come on. Live a little. It's like being at the county fair. Eat all of the fried foods, and then do another lap around the show. Just don't forget to hydrate-hydrate-hydrate. Come on. You can do it, and just think of all of the cool stuff you didn't see the first time around. 10.) Be like Elvis and know how to leave the stadium. This is not the time to bring the Mini-Cooper. Bring a vehicle large enough to leave with all of your treasures. If you have rather large items, many vendors will gladly hold the larger "sold" items that you purchased from them until you are ready to pack them to your vehicle and leave. Also, do be mindful of "Do not park" signs. They do not say, "Do not park unless it's you there wearing the cute coat loading the great old door." Now go home. Run along now, put your feet up, and relax. You did a great job! You ate junk food all day as it is, so why bother cooking? Order in! Enjoy the rest of your evening, and you have some great stories to tell, and most of all - - you brought home some of the coolest junque - - ever!

Love of Junk*

*Photos from Love of Junk in Walla Walla, Washington, and taken by Glena Dunn, Publisher of The Country Register of S. NV and owner of Back in Thyme Antiques in Boulder City, NV. Mark your calendars for next year's Fifth Annual in June, 2017.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

In my attempt to eat less meat, I am always looking for recipes that use vegetables, beans, and nuts instead of soy-based products that you find in the markets. Soy creates all kinds of problems in my digestive system, and will put me down for days. And while we are on soy products, allow me to perch on top of my soapbox, but some of those faux meat products found in a can using artificial coloring and tons of sodium are far worse for you nutritionally than a piece of meat. Okay, now I need a ladder to get down...I refer to myself as a "convenient vegetarian." There are several meats that I do not eat, and for the most part I don't cook a lot of meat. It's often a luxury item I save for when I go out to dine. Some time ago I ran across a recipe for "meat balls" made with pecan meal or almond meal. I haven't used the almond meal yet, because I have been quite satisfied using pecans. Also, pecan meal is not difficult to find, or you can always grind your own. I took a basic recipe and have added my own touch, but I think that you can almost use your own favorite meat ball recipe and ingredients, and it will be fail proof as long as you don't forget to add the crumbs, eggs, and of course, the pecan meal. The crumbs and eggs are what helps bind.This recipe makes up to an average of 24 meatballs, and they freeze really well. So when I just want a few, I can take out what I need and give them a nuke in the microwave or let them soak up in my favorite sauces.

Ingredients:2 cloves of garlic, very well minced1 medium onion, minced1/4 of olive oil2 cups of pecan meal (or almond meal)1 1/2 cups of bread crumbs 1 Tbsp. dried oregano1/2 Tbsp. dried basil (optional or use Italian herb seasoning instead of basil and oregano)1 cup mozzarella, shredded1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated4 eggs, well beaten1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes, more or less depending to tasteKosher salt and ground black pepper, to tasteDirections:Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Saute minced onions and garlic in the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add a light sprinkle of salt to help sweat the onions and garlic until soft. Remove from heat and let cool. In a mixing bowl, add: pecan meal, bread crumbs, dried oregano and basil, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten eggs, hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add the cooled onions and garlic mixture, and all of the olive oil drippings as this will add moisture to the meat-less balls. Mix well with hands. Form into golf ball size. Place on "Pammed" baking sheet or broiler pan. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes until they reach a nice toasty color.
If preparing spaghetti and meat balls, transfer the individual balls that you will be using into your favorite warm tomato sauce to soak and simmer. I use my old stand-by, Marcella's Tomato Sauce. Let simmer at least 5 - 10 minutes. If freezing remaining meat-less balls, I typically do not bother with this step until I am ready to use them. Also, I have soaked the meat-less balls in my favorite BBQ sauce. If you want to make them more with a Mediterranean feel, don't add the usual Italian-style herbs, but instead add to the mixture some fresh chopped parsley, mint, cumin, and cinnamon. Serve with a yogurt-tzatziki sauce. I don't miss the meat and find them very satisfying.

Monday, August 1, 2016

I cannot help myself! I was a child of the 1960-70's. We were embracing our own style beyond the extinct slaughtered Nauga that our mothers upholstered their furniture with. We were the children of the world. We wanted to teach the "World to Sing in Perfect Harmony!" My parents would never have agreed to letting their guests sit in bean bag chairs and dining around cable spools. I could hear my father now if my mother brought home strands of bead dividers to hang in the door wells instead of using doors. He would have said something to the effect of "French whorehouse... " as he would often use the term "French whorehouse" if he smelled an overpowering floral scent - - and being a youngster, I didn't ask how he knew what such a house smelled like, let alone did I know anything about his time in France.
So, where did this term "Bohemian" come from? In the true sense, Bohemia is a region in the Czech Republic. Figuratively it is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, and often in the company and spirit of other like-minded people who are involved in music, art, or literary pursuits. It can be as whimsical and romantic with beads, lace, and old world tapestry, or simplistic as a well loved chair and collection of poetry. The name, Bohemians is often referred to artists, adventurers, and the roving Romani people.

Apartment Therapy nailed it with their article, "10 Tell-Tale Signs that Your Home Style is Bohemian." I will admit, I use to be guilty of many of these signs. However, marriage to a traditionalist has a way of changing you a bit - - just a bit. After my divorce I went back to some of my Boho decor ways - - and I don't care anymore. Listed below are the 10 signs, along with my answers. Do leave me a comment about your Boho decor. 1. Your favorite colors are tie-dye and suzani.I can honestly say I don't have any tie-dye or suzani decor, other than in my clothes closet. There is still an old tie-dye Dead Head t-shirt I cannot part with, and a few suzani-style scarves.

Photo from Pinterest

2. You haven’t seen an actual, honest-to-goodness floor since 2010.There are still a few Persian-style rugs and vintage hook rugs about, but not as much as there use to be.3. You own more plants than furniture.Since the day I adopted two twin cats from the same litter, Crosby and Nash (even the names are Bohemian), indoor plants have gone away. Someday I may try to build up another collection of African Violets. I loved them. African Violets reminded me of my grandmother.

Photo from Apartment Therapy

4. Morocco called the other day and they want all their ottomans, lanterns and pillows back.Damn! They found out about me. Guilty as charged! Okay, but without the hookah.

Photo from Apartment Therapy

Photo from Pinterest

5. You know that the only thing that works with pattern is another pattern.

Never guilty of that. Never been into patterns unless the pattern looked like a rose garden or polka dots. 6. You tie your shoelaces with macramé knots.Oh, I was certainly guilty of tying knots, but was just as fast as I could tie a knot, I was quick to rid of them. In fact, I could never find much beauty in a macramé wall hanging. They made me queasy.

Photo from Apartment Therapy

7. You'll embrace minimalism right after Elton John does.Arrest me or bury me, but it will be the only way for one to remove my various collections from my home. Collections of old vintage perfume bottles in the bathroom, stacks of books, Mercury glass candle holders on the mantle, stacks of books, Depression glass of every shade, stacks of books, drawers of old embroidered linens and doilies, stacks of books, French tapestries on the wall, stacks of books, vintage tea cups, stacks of books, bars and bars of lavender soap, stacks of books, vintage beaded purses hung about, stacks of books, clumps of amethyst crystals about, stacks of books, collection of Japanese Netsukes and thimbles, and other miniatures; and stacks of books... Did I mention stacks of books?

Photo from Apartment Therapy

8. You have no idea where this "mall" is that everyone keeps talking about.It's true. Never been one to patronize a mall. Give me a downtown filled with odd little new and vintage shops. I enjoy hunting for treasures. 9. You like your mattresses low, and your canopies high.Not guilty, and never been guilty, I want to spring from my mattress instead of crawling away from it. 10. "Beaded curtain” is a custom setting on your sound machine.In memory of dear old dad - - no way! Do you want my place to "sound" like a "French Whorehouse?"